 BUYER'S TIP:
Agent or Broker? What is the difference? And which should you choose? And what about those initials after an agent's name? Obtaining a real estate license in Massachusetts is so easy that home buyers would be wise to look beyond a license. The state's Board of Registration monitors licensees and enable consumers to check up the licensee's status on the state web site. After 24 hours of education and an exam, new licensees work as an "agent" salesperson for 1 year or more under the supervision of a broker. 30 hours of education and another exam allows agents who have worked for their year of apprenticeship to become brokers.Brokers are allowed to work on their own unsupervised and can set up their own offices and have agents work for them. An agent must always work under a broker's license. Some agents have many years of experience and have not felt the need to get their broker's license because they choose to work for a broker or national franchise realty firm. Agents should be asked about additional credentials they may have earned to further enhance their career or abilities. For example, some agents have earned a CRS (Certified Residential Specialist) or GRI (Graduate, Realtor Institute) upon completion of additional classes. Home buyers who want the advantage of working with an agent who must protect their interests can choose from a number of Buyer Agent credentials, including CEBA, ABR, CBR, CBA, and MCBA. How buyer agents handle any conflict of interest situations that may arise can affect the value for a home buyer. Some buyers prefer the exclusive buyer agent because they do not list properties for sale that might contribute to a conflict of interest problem.
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